"Steve, I just can't cope with you anymore, I've arranged for you stay with Reverend Morris for a week or so. I need a break from you."
My mum was at the end of her tether with me. I wasn't a bad guy, I just sort of fell in with the wrong crowd. I came from a good home but my dad died when I was 11 leaving my mum to raise me single handedly. I was 21, I'd left school, finished college and was looking for work but had no idea what I wanted to do. I was at a crossroads in my life, one more wrong turn and who knew where I'd end up.
"It's all agreed, I've spoken to Mr Morris and he's agreed to put you up for a week, you need to have some space from that crowd you're with."
Mr Morris was a close family friend, my mum was religious and went to church every Sunday. It wasn't my scene and refused to go, this really upset my mother, her thinking was I may discover God and live a holier life, learn from my mistakes and take my life forward positively.
"Mum, I'm 21, I'm not going, no chance."
"You are, it's all arranged, I need a break. I've booked a train ticket, I'm dropping you off at the station tomorrow morning."
I loved my mum, so I thought about it for a couple of hours and eventually relented and agreed to go. Life was tough for my mum since my dad passed, she worked two jobs and her work ethic put me to shame. I suppose I hid behind my father's death and used it as an excuse to rebel.
Mr Morris had since retired from the parish and had moved to Sheffield from Nottingham. He was about 65 and was a decent guy, he continued to be of great support to my mother as she struggled to cope with me after my father died.
The morning arrived, I packed a small case and my mum dropped me off at the station.
"I love you you know Steve, I just think some breathing space will do us both good. Mr Morris will be waiting at the station for you at 11 o clock. Call me when you get there."
We said our goodbyes and I got onto the train. The journey was just short of an hour, so I was there in no time. I left the station and there was Mr Morris waiting for me at the agreed rendezvous point.
"Hello Steve, glad you could come. Come on, jump in and we'll get you settled in."
In all fairness, he was a nice guy, he was quite handsome in that "old man who's looked after himself" kind of way. He was 6' to my 5' 9". He was wearing a pair of beige trousers, white shirt and tie with a blue v neck jumper. His look was finished off with a smart pair of brogues.
We chatted on the short journey to his house, he'd never been married so lived alone. He committed his life to the church and just got used to life on his own.
We arrived at his detached house in Hillsborough in around 20 minutes. It was very nice, not very modern but it was perfectly fine and worked for him. He showed me to my room which had a single bed, side table with a lamp and a wardrobe.
"Here we are Steve, your home for a week, it's not much but I'm sure it'll be comfortable enough for you."
"Thank you Mr Morris, it's nice."
"Look, call me David, let's not be too formal eh, cup of tea.?"
"Tea would be lovely."
I could feel already that he was having a good effect on me, he was kind and respectful and spoke to me on a level without any judgement. I respected him and respected the way he helped my mum.
"So, what's the issue then Steve, your mum tells me there's a few problems with you?" he asked in his caring way.
"I don't know really, I suppose I just miss my Dad, I don't mean to be a problem and I don't want to be."
"It must be tough not having a father figure around. Your mum really tries her best you know. All she wants is for you to get a job and do something meaningful with your life."
"I know, but I just have no idea what I want to do. It's easier just hanging with my mates I suppose."
"I understand Steve, I really do. What about working for the Lord, it's very fulfilling and rewarding. Your mother would like that, I'm sure." he responded.
"No disrespect David, but it's just not for me. I'm not a believer and I don't think I ever will be."
David smiled and replied,
"Why do you think that is Steve?, it gives people a lot of comfort knowing that there may be something in the after life. The church community is extremely rewarding, helping people out who need support."
"I understand but it's just not for me, besides, how do you enjoy, you know, company, if you work for the church?" I responded naively.
"Steve, things have changed, people are a lot more tolerant now, tell me, do you have a special man or woman in your life?"
"Man?, I'm not gay." I reacted.
"Well, what about a woman, maybe a nice woman will give you more focus, you know, something positive to concentrate on."
"Possibly, I've had girlfriends but they weren't anything special. I suppose there's time, I'm in no rush."
"Absolutely, there is indeed no rush."
"What about you David, why have you never settled down?"